Reacting Like the World or Responding Like Jesus?

Read:

Ephesians 4:31–32 (The VOICE): “Banish bitterness, rage and anger, shouting and slander, and any and all malicious thoughts—these are poison. Instead, be kind and compassionate. Graciously forgive one another just as God has forgiven you through the Anointed, our Liberating King.”

James 1:19–20 (NIV): “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.”

Proverbs 26:4 (NASB) “Do not answer a fool according to his foolishness, Or you will also be like him.”

Act:

Let us be determined this week to:

Respond with humility and grace. When wronged, let us leave pride behind, extend forgiveness, and put others’ needs above our own. May our words and actions reflect the humility and compassion of Christ.

Speak Life. Our words carry power – let them build up, not tear down. Let us intentionally speak truth, encouragement and kindness, breathing life into the hearts of others.

Examine Our Hearts. When irritability or pain arises, let us pause and seek Jesus for guidance. May we allow Him to uncover the roots of our struggles and lead us toward forgiveness and healing. Forgiveness frees us from bitterness and restores our joy. Though challenging, let us release resentment, trusting God to heal and renew our hearts.

Pursue Peace. In every interaction, no matter how difficult, let us seek peace. As peacemakers (Matthew 5:9), may we reflect God’s love by fostering reconciliation and unity.

Let us walk boldly in faith this week, trusting God to guide us in humility, love and peace. May His transformative grace shine through us in all we do.

Pray:

Dear Lord, thank You for setting the example of humility. You are Lord God, all-powerful. The One who came down humbled Yourself to show grace and humility and teach it to us. Please help us to grow in our humility so that we can grow in unity and closeness with You and also those around us.

Lord Jesus, I pray that You would teach us to be careful what we speak out of our mouth, Father God, and the great impact that can have on another human being and their heart, Lord Jesus. I thank You that You can heal, that You can change, and that You can absolutely restore and bind up any broken hearts. I pray that You help us to come to You, to run to You, Father, again and again and again, and to stand strong and firm on Your Word, full of faith every single day. In Jesus’ name.

Lead us through Your Holy Spirit to see the triggers in our lives clearly. Give us the courage to break the cycle. Give us the grace to forgive. Help us choose the path of love and not let bitterness cloud our lives to the point where we no longer hear Your voice. Will You please be the One that counsels us for the hurt we have to work through?

Oh, gracious Lord, Your words remind us that we are loved beyond understanding and beyond measure. Lord, we long to give those same kinds of grace gifts through our words to other people. Lord, help us to be more like You in every way – in our words, as well as in our deeds.

Father, thank You for the practical wisdom we find in Your Word. We pray that You will help us apply what we heard today to our lives and all our individual situations. May we trust You and be faithful and obedient followers of Your Word. May we not be afraid to get involved in difficult situations but then with discernment, self-control and wisdom. Please also make us open to receiving criticism and correction with humility and to react with wisdom. We ask this in the name of Your son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

(This WRAP is with great appreciation to Chris, Marinda, Kristen, Mary Lynn and Marike)

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